Notes from the Field: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia …

It appears that snow is coming to the East Coast yet again. Reminds me that there is nothing to complain about here in Denmark, though looks like the rain might let up today for a bit more Vitamin D. Still, how about we all picture ourselves at a balmy, humid, practically tropical post because that’s what we have up on Notes from the Field today.

Michelle is one of my favorite FS bloggers out there – she’s funny and she has a great sense of adventure. I’m always impressed at what a great positive attitude she has about getting out there and trying new things – in fact, you might remember her from her post on Chengdu, China. Michelle chronicles her adventures on her blog, In Search of the End of the Sidewalk, and its corresponding Facebook page. She’s back with a few thoughts on her new life in KL, so pull up a chair and picture yourself with ginormous birds perched on one shoulder while sampling some hawker stall fare with the other!

Diplo-mat or Diplo-spouse (or other)? Diplo-spouse

Current Post: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Three words to describe Kuala Lumpur:

Hot, traffic-filled, accessible

What’s the best thing about Kuala Lumpur?

The best thing Kuala Lumpur is the ease of ex-pat life here. Having living abroad in several other places, this is by far the easiest on a day-to-day basis. There is little “western” that can’t be found in town, provided you are willing to pay for it. There is a huge ex-pat community, both diplomatic and private-sector, which creates a demand for all things “holiday!” Also, the travel in and around Malaysia is fantastic. (I’m in Kota Kinabalu as I type this!)

You have visitors in town for the weekend in KL, what does the weekend look like?

Just as weekend means sticking to the city, as there is easily enough to do in town for that long. My favorite place to take people is the KL Bird Park, where birds roam freely and for a mere 10RM, you can get your picture taken holding an armful of them! That is a good half-day outing to kick off the weekend.

From there, I’d say a trip to KLCC to see the towers, maybe lunch at the food court and then hit up the aquarium that is in the same complex. Dinner would be at Jalan Aloor- hawker stall paradise!

The second day would be a visit to the KL Tower, where if you go to the viewing deck, you get a panoramic view of the city. (It is a much higher perch than the walkway between Petronas Towers, so one I prefer for guests.) The Craft Complex is a great afternoon stop, a chance to see some local handicrafts and even make your own batik. We’d round out the weekend with either drinks at the Helipad Bar (yes, it is on the rooftop helipad of a downtown building!) or hitting up the Tian Tian Lai hawker stalls in the Ampang area. With the heat and the humidity, this would make for two very long, but fun days!

If you’re in KL, you must try:

Everyone says the food, but to be honest, I’m not overly impressed with Malay food. On the other hand, the variety of international options available make it interesting, as there is always a chance for good Chinese or Indian cuisine.

What are your go-to sources for learning about the culture or things to do/experience while you’re at your post city?

For the most part, it has been trial and error. I follow several Facebook groups for ex-pats to keep a tab on what is going on around town, but I really just go out and see what I can find. In a place like KL, where so much is accessible in English, it really is easy to fill your days with a variety of activities.

Most difficult about living in KL:

By far the most difficult part is just the sheer distance to the States. There are currently no direct flights from KL to the US, so getting here is a whole lot of flight legs. If I can make it here in under 30 hours, I consider it a good trip.

Biggest adventure at post?

Driving! It wasn’t the driving on the opposite side of the road that was difficult to learn (although I do still have to think about it when I make turns sometimes!), but rather the culture of the road here is extremely different than the US. It is totally acceptable to make your own lane if you don’t want to wait in the traffic, to park your car anywhere there is a spot (including in a traffic lane!) and to force cars over on the highway by tailgating and flashing your lights at them. Sheer madness at times, but once you get the hang of it and know your regular routes, it becomes less stressful.

When did you realize you were far from home?

Waking up to the call to prayer is always a reminder that I’m not in Idaho anymore!

What’s the most important thing about re-creating your home at post?

For me, it is having my wall-hangings up as soon as possible. To have my own pictures, my own decorations and my own touch to a house makes it a home. We live with a whole lot of massive white walls, so to dampen that with bright colors, fun prints and touches of the States really makes my new place feel like somewhere I want to be for the next two years.

Three things you can’t live without at post?

Cheese (it is expensive, but we can get it), internet (not only do I blog, but I am working on an online MA in literature, so a consistent connection is crucial) and DPO (State Department families are extremely lucky to have access to this service!)

One thing you thought you couldn’t live without but have had to?

That is tough, as there is little lacking in KL if you really want it. I guess the thing I “crave” the most is affordable department stores, like Target or ShopKo. There are department stores here, but they tend to be higher end and more expensive than I am willing to pay. Shopping is endless in KL, but at 5’10” and with size 9 shoes, not much actually fits me. I do a lot of window shopping.

What’s the best advice someone ever gave you about the diplomatic life?

I can’t think of anything right off the top of my head, but I do know that if someone asked me about this lifestyle, I would say it is all about the attitude you choose to have each day. Living in other countries/cultures can, at times, be frustrating, but it can also be endlessly rewarding. Waking up each morning and *choosing* to see things through a positive lens will do wonders for your sanity!

What’s your daily uniform?

Dresses. I can’t really think of the last time I wore pants! When I am volunteering at the local refugee school, I wear dresses with short sleeves, but the rest of the time it is strappy sundresses, knee-length and longer. Around the house though, it is shorts and tank tops. There is no need for much more than that when it is always hot and humid.

You’re having guests over on Saturday night, what’s on the menu?

We’ve got a great sized kitchen, unfortunately, I’m not much of a cook. If we are getting together we friends, we’ll go to the hawker stalls at TianTian Lai for food and then come back to the house for desserts (I do brownies and cookies well!) and board games. But food-wise, if it is at the house, it is courtesy of Food Panda or Room Service, both great delivery services in Kuala Lumpur.

Dream post for next assignment? Why?

This changes by the day for me! There are so many cool places that I would love to experience. While I’ve been in Asia a while now, between State and Peace Corps, there are still a few countries like Nepal or Burma that I’d love to give a shot. Of course, I’d take Italy in a heartbeat and wouldn’t mind spending some time in eastern Europe at some point.

One thing you wished someone had told you before arriving?

How difficult it would be to find work at the embassy. I worked as the CLO for two solid years in Chengdu and thought that would give me solid footing in this second post, but the competition for jobs here is pretty tough. I wish I had been a bit more prepared for the possibility of not working.

Parting thoughts?

Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic place to live, for both singles and families. Because of the huge ex-pat community, there is always something interesting going on, the demand for western goods is high and nearly every speaks English, making communication a much simpler process. If you are looking to live in Asia, but are worried about being overwhelmed by the foreign-ness of it, give Malaysia a shot. It is Asia-light, but still, truly Asia!

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All views expressed on this blog are entirely my own, and are not meant to represent U.S. foreign policy or U.S. government organizations in any way.

This blog occasionally contains contextual affiliate links, which might result in commission-based income used to support the running of this blog. The content of my posts are all items and experiences I genuinely enjoy or support. If an item was received on a promotional basis, it will be noted as such.